Seven Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji with Suspected Alcohol Poisoning

On Saturday night, seven tourists fell ill after consuming cocktails at a resort bar in Fiji, leading to hospitalization with suspected alcohol poisoning. The group, which includes four Australians aged between 18 and 56, developed severe symptoms shortly after their visit, including nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues. Following the incident, they were first treated at Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital for further care. This alarming situation echoes recent events in Laos, where six tourists reportedly died from suspected methanol poisoning. As the local authorities investigate the incident, two Australian families in Fiji are receiving consular assistance from their home country.

In recent weeks, there has been heightened awareness regarding alcohol safety in tourist destinations. The health ministry in Fiji is currently examining the cocktails consumed by the tourists to determine the cause of their symptoms. This incident raises concerns regarding the safety measures in place at resorts, particularly regarding the sourcing and serving of alcoholic beverages. Tour operators and the tourism board are urged to ensure rigorous standards to prevent such occurrences in the future.